POSTEXERCISE RECOVERY PERIOD - CARBOHYDRATE AND PROTEIN-METABOLISM

The essence of the postexercise recovery period is normalization of fu nction and homeostatic equilibrium, and replenishment of energy resour ces and accomplishment of the reconstructive function. The repletion o f energy stores is actualized in a certain sequence and followed by a transitory supercompensation. The main substrate for repletion of the muscle glycogen store is blood glucose derived from hepatic glucose ou tput as well as from consumtpion of carbohydrates during the postexerc ise period. The repletion of liver glycogen is realized less repidly. It depends to a certain extent on hepatic gluconeogenesis but mainly o n supply with exogenous carbohydrates. The constructive function is fo unded on elevated protein turnover and adaptive protein synthesis. Whe reas during and shortly after endurance exercise intensive protein bre akdown was found in less active fast-twitch glycolytic fibers, during the later course of the recovery period the protein degradation rate i ncreased together with intensification of protein synthesis rate in mo re active fast-twitch glycolytic oxidative and slow-twitch oxidative f ibers.